SPECULATION is growing that Markyate resident Mr Roy Gardner is to become the next chairman of Manchester United.

Mr Gardner currently heading up the corporate fundraising element of the St Albans Cathedral Campaign is the chief executive of Centrica and has been a director of the club since 1999.

Centrica and Manchester United declined to comment on the appointment, while a spokesman for Mr Gardner said it would be inappropriate to comment until an announcement was made formally. This is expected to be at the club's annual meeting on November 15.

October 29, 2001 16:23